The goal of any 'silat' body, including the Association of Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM), is to uphold the heritage of the Malay community.

Special advisor to the Higher Education Minister, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Kamarudin Husin said the aim of 'silat' was in line with the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) vision mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said, through 'silat', the Malay culture and its religious values are introduced to others while strengthening the participants'' sense of worth.

"Cultural integrity and religious values which are inculcated in the learning of 'silat cekak' are important elements in producing individuals who are honest and responsible. As such, proving that 'silat' associations can indirectly contribute towards the materialisation of TN50," he told reporters after launching PSSCM's 34th convocation ceremony and 45th Delegates General Meeting, here on Saturday, that was also attended by PSSCM president Datuk Maideen Kadir Shah.

The convocation themed, 'Silat culture as the core of national transformation' saw 732 'silat cekak' graduates conferred with beginner and intermediate PSSCM certificates for the 2016/2017 session.

-- BERNAMA